A desktop shortcut is a small icon on a computer's desktop that provides quick access to a file, folder, or application. Instead of navigating through multiple directories, users can simply double-click the shortcut to open the desired item. This feature is commonly used in operating systems like Windows and macOS to enhance user efficiency. Shortcuts can be created for various items, including documents, programs, and websites. They often have a distinctive arrow overlay on their icon to differentiate them from regular files. Users can easily organize their desktop by creating, moving, or deleting these shortcuts as needed.